96-494: (Redirected from Bell Huey ) "Super Huey" redirects here. For the helicopter flight simulation game known simply as "Super Huey" on some versions, see Super Huey UH-IX . American family of utility helicopters Bell Huey family [REDACTED] UH-1A The Bell Huey family of helicopters includes a wide range of civil and military aircraft produced since 1956 by Bell Helicopter . This H-1 family of aircraft includes
192-531: A Lycoming T-53-L-13 engine of 1,400 shp; 5,435 built. Also built under license in Taiwan by AIDC . [REDACTED] Nighttime cockpit view of UH-1N CUH-1H Canadian Forces designation for the UH-1H utility transport helicopter. Redesignated CH-118 . EH-1H Twenty-two aircraft converted by installation of AN/ARQ-33 radio intercept and jamming equipment for Project Quick Fix. HH-1H SAR variant for
288-427: A "C" model) arrives to pick up its Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources firefighting crew on Fire 141, 1995 [REDACTED] Kern County (California) Fire Department's Bell 205 based at Mojave Spaceport [REDACTED] Bell 214ST [REDACTED] Bell 412HP of Heli Austria Bell 204B 11 seat utility transport helicopter; the civil certified model was based at the military model 204, known by
384-718: A 1,400-kW (1900-shp) General Electric T700-GE-701C turboshaft engine. CH-118 Canadian Forces designation for the UH-1H CH-135 Canadian Forces designation for the UH-1N Twin Huey CH-146 Canadian Forces designation for a variant of the Bell 412 Griffin HT1 RAF designation for a trainer based on the 412EP Griffin HAR2 RAF designation for a search and rescue helicopter based on
480-472: A Japanese improved model of UH-1H. Agusta-Bell 205BG Prototype fitted with two Gnome H 1200 turboshaft engines. Agusta-Bell 205TA Prototype fitted with two Turbomeca Astazous turboshaft engines. Bell 208 Experimental twin-engine "Twin Huey" prototype. Bell 209 Original AH-1G prototype with retractable skid landing gear. Bell 210 15 seat upgraded 205A Bell 211 The HueyTug ,
576-503: A dedicated attack helicopter, came equipped with stub wings for various weapons, a chin-mounted gun turret , and an armored tandem cockpit , from which it was operated by a pilot and gunner. Its design was shaped to fulfill a need for a dedicated armed escort for transport helicopters, giving the latter greater survivability in contested environments. On 7 September 1965, the Model 209 prototype performed its maiden flight ; after rapidly gaining
672-444: A four-bladed rotor system, an uprated engine and experimental equipment, including Hellfire missiles. Bell 309 KingCobra Experimental version powered by one Lycoming T-55-L-7C engine. Bell 412 Bell 212 with a four-bladed semi-rigid rotor system. Bell Huey II A modified and re-engined UH-1H, significantly upgrading its performance, and its cost-effectiveness. Currently offered by Bell to all current military users of
768-656: A further 158 sustained some level of damage. The U.S. Marine Corps also operated the AH-1G Cobra in Vietnam for a short time before acquiring the twin-engine AH-1J Cobras . The AH-1Gs had been adopted by the Marines as an interim measure, a total of 38 helicopters having been transferred from the U.S. Army to the Marines in 1969. During Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada in 1983 , several AH-1T Cobras were deployed to fly close air support and helicopter escort missions. On
864-569: A greater level of survivability. Despite the Army's preference for the AAFSS program—for which Bell Helicopter was not selected to compete—the company persisted with their own idea of a smaller and lighter gunship, noting that Lockheed had little experience in developing rotorcraft and correctly predicted that it would encounter considerable difficulties. Bell employee Mike Folse played a key role in developing this new gunship, which he intentionally based around
960-416: A grenade launcher in a ball turret on the nose, a 20 mm belly-mounted gun pod, and stub wings for mounting rockets or SS.10 anti-tank missiles. In June 1962, Bell displayed the mockup to US Army officials, hoping to solicit funding for further development; rival manufacturers issued protests to this approach, alleging that it was an attempt by Bell to circumvent the competitive process. Nevertheless,
1056-560: A more capable successor to the Cobra, had procured a large fleet of AH-64 Apaches since receiving the first example of the type during early 1984. The withdrawn AH-1s were typically offered to other potential operators, usually NATO allies. The Army retired the AH-1 from its reserves in September 2001. The retired AH-1s were then disposed of, often through sales to overseas customers; the final portion of
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#17328554263191152-581: A need for a capable platform for countering enemy armour. The type was operated by the Israeli Air Force (IAF), with the First Attack Helicopter Squadron formally commencing on 1 December 1977. The service named the type as the "Tzefa" ( Hebrew : צפע , for Viper ). On 9 May 1979, the IAF's Cobras performed their first attack, firing four Orev missiles at a house near Tyre, Lebanon , that
1248-516: A quick solution. Submissions came in for armed variants of the Boeing-Vertol ACH-47A , Kaman HH-2C Tomahawk , Piasecki 16H Pathfinder , Sikorsky S-61 , and the Bell 209. During April 1966, Bell's submission emerged victorious in an evaluation against the other rival helicopters. The US Army promptly signed the first production contract, ordering an initial batch of 110 aircraft. By the end of
1344-620: A single squadron was deployed in 1994. Pakistani Cobras subsequently saw action in Sierra Leone. By 2013, Pakistan reportedly operated a fleet of 35 AH-1F helicopters. Maintaining these aircraft has been difficult, but possible through commercial channels. Additionally, the US government provided $ 750,000 (~$ 967,428 in 2023) through 2013 to update the existing AH-1F/S Cobra fleet. However, controversy over how much of this funding has actually been spent on Pakistan's Cobras has also been present throughout
1440-508: A team normally comprised a single OH-6 flying slow and low to find enemy forces. If the OH-6 drew fire, the Cobra could strike at the then revealed enemy. On 12 September 1968, Capt. Ronald Fogleman was flying an F-100 Super Sabre when the aircraft was shot down and he ejected 200 miles (320 km) north of Bien Hoa. Fogleman became the only pilot to be rescued by holding on to an Army AH-1G's deployed gun-panel door. Bell built 1,116 AH-1Gs for
1536-421: A three-barreled M197 20 mm cannon. The AH-1E is also referred to as the "Upgunned AH-1S", or "AH-1S(ECAS)" prior to 1988. UH-1E UH-1B/C for USMC with different avionics and equipment. NUH-1E UH-1E configured for testing. TH-1E UH-1C configured for Marine Corps training. Twenty built in 1965. AH-1F "Modernized AH-1S", with upgraded avionics and defensive systems. UH-1F UH-1B/C for
1632-534: A training mission at the Mojave Spaceport . YAH-1S AH-1Q upgrade and TOW system. AH-1S AH-1Q upgraded with a 1,800 shp T53-L-703 turboshaft engine. AH-1T Named Improved SeaCobra , features an extended tailboom and fuselage and an upgraded transmission and engines. UH-1U Single prototype for Counter Mortar/Counter Battery Radar Jamming aircraft. Crashed at Edwards AFB during testing. UH-1V Aeromedical evacuation, rescue version for
1728-474: Is different from Wikidata All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from October 2007 Articles with unsourced statements from January 2008 Super Huey UH-IX Super Huey UH-IX (simply Super Huey on some platforms) is a helicopter combat flight simulation game published by Cosmi Corporation . Originally released for the Commodore 64 in 1985, it
1824-471: The 1982 Lebanon War . Turkish AH-1s have seen regular combat with Kurdish insurgents near Turkey's southern borders. Upgraded versions of the Cobra have been developed, such as the twin engined AH-1 SeaCobra/SuperCobra and the experimental Bell 309 KingCobra . Furthermore, surplus AH-1 helicopters have been reused for other purposes, including civilian ones; numerous examples have been converted to perform aerial firefighting operations. Closely related to
1920-648: The 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt , Turkish Cobras were alleged to have fired upon several police vehicles. Between 1984 and 1986, Pakistan was supplied with an initial batch of 20 AH-1S gunships by the US; these were later upgraded with the C-NITE thermal imaging package. Operated by Pakistan Army Aviation , the service first used Cobra overseas in Somalia during the United Nations Operation in Somalia II , where
2016-509: The Bell OH-58 Kiowa scout helicopter, were also common occurrences. Radio communications were handled by the gunner. Regardless of mission profile, low altitude flying was commonplace. By June 1967, the first AH-1G HueyCobras had been delivered. Originally designated as UH-1H, the "A" for attack designation was soon adopted and when the improved UH-1D became the UH-1H, the HueyCobra became
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#17328554263192112-643: The Gulf War (1990–91), both the Cobras and SuperCobras deployed in a support role. The USMC deployed 91 AH-1W SuperCobras while the US Army operated 140 AH-1 Cobras of various models in the theatre; these were typically operated from dispersed forward operating bases in close proximity to Saudi Arabia's border with Iraq. Three AH-1s were lost in accidents during fighting and afterward. Cobras successfully destroyed large numbers of Iraqi armored vehicles and various other targets during
2208-480: The Israeli Defence Force over Masada [REDACTED] CH-146 Griffon XH-40 The initial Bell 204 prototype. Three prototypes were built. YH-40 Six aircraft for evaluation, as XH-40 with 12-inch cabin stretch and other modifications. Bell 533 One YH-40BF rebuilt as a flight test bed with turbofan engines and wings. HU-1A Initial Bell 204 production model, redesignated as
2304-620: The Royal Jordanian Air Force to bolster the numbers of their existing fleet. Japan manufactured 89 AH-1S Cobras under license by Fuji Heavy Industries from 1984 to 2000. The type is used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force , and are Step 3 models, which are roughly the equivalent to the U.S. Army's AH-1Fs. The engine is the T53-K-703 turboshaft, which Kawasaki Heavy Industries produced under license. During
2400-606: The UH-1A in 1962. The HU-1 designation gave rise to the popular but unofficial nickname "Huey". TH-1A UH-1A with dual controls and blind-flying instruments, 14 conversions. XH-1A A single UH-1A was redesignated for grenade launcher testing in 1960. HU-1B Upgraded HU-1A, various external and rotor improvements. Redesignated UH-1B in 1962. YUH-1B UH-1B prototypes NUH-1B A single test aircraft, serial number 64-18261. UH-1C UH-1B with improved engine, modified blades and rotor-head for better performance in
2496-834: The US Army as the UH-1B. Agusta-Bell AB 204 11 seat utility transport helicopter. Built under licence in Italy by Agusta . Agusta-Bell AB 204AS Anti-submarine warfare, anti-shipping version of the AB 204 helicopter. Fuji-Bell 204B-2 11 seat utility transport helicopter. Built under licence in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries . Bell 205A 15 seat utility transport helicopter. Agusta-Bell 205 15 seat utility transport helicopter. Built under licence in Italy by Agusta. Bell 205A-1 15 seat utility transport helicopter, initial version based on
2592-560: The Wayback Machine , Turkish Daily News, 2 December 2006. ^ FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet H1SW for the 204, 205A, 205A-1 and 210 models ^ Takeshi Makino (December 24, 2002). "The Activities of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. in the Field of Vertical Flight" . Archived from the original on April 14, 2004 . Retrieved November 17, 2019 . ^ "Skycranes" . Centennial of Flight Commission. Archived from
2688-444: The 1980s and 1990s, the Cobras continued to play a role in major operations against groups such as Hezbollah , including Operations " Accountability " and " Grapes of Wrath ", in southern Lebanon. During August 1996, the IAF's Cobra fleet was expanded yet again via 14 surplus US Army AH-1F Cobras being acquired, some of which were used by the front line squadrons while others were operated exclusively for flight training purposes. During
2784-533: The 2000s, the Cobra's precision strike capability was bolstered by the adoption of the Spike missile . During late 2013, Israel opted to retire the last of its 33 AH-1 Cobras from front line service, largely due to budget cuts. Its role was taken up entirely by the IAI's squadrons of AH-64 attack helicopters, while an extensive fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) took over the role of patrolling combat zones. The Cobra fleet
2880-803: The 2010s, Japan was examining options for procuring a fleet of new rotorcraft to replace its aging Cobras; it has been specified that the replacement helicopter would need to be optimized for marine use and able to operate from expeditionary airstrips or sea bases, and that between 30 and 50 such craft would be purchased. In December 2022, the Japanese government decided to replace 47 AH-1S, 12 AH-64D , 33 OH-1 , and 26 U-125A with unmanned aerial vehicles. Japan plans to increase its defense budget from 1.24% of GDP in fiscal 2021 to around 2.0% within 10 years, and has decided to retire these helicopters and aircraft as part of an effort to spend its defense budget efficiently. Jordan obtained an initial batch of 24 AH-1Fs during
2976-615: The 2010s. Turkey has also become a key supplier of spare parts for the Cobra, often free of cost, to Pakistan. During the 2010s, Pakistan lost a total of three aircraft in separate incidents. Pakistan repeatedly sought the Bell AH-1W SuperCobra from the US to supplement and replace its current AH-1 Cobras. Attempts to acquire the AH-1Z Viper or AH-64E Apache from the US were rejected, so Pakistan turned to buying other foreign attack helicopters. Possible candidates have included
Bell Huey family - Misplaced Pages Continue
3072-453: The AH-1 formed the core of the US Army's attack helicopter fleet, seeing combat in Vietnam, Grenada , Panama , and the Gulf War . In US Army service, the Cobra was progressively replaced by the newer and more capable Boeing AH-64 Apache during the 1990s, with the final examples being withdrawn during 2001. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) operated the Cobra most prolifically along its land border with Lebanon , using its fleet intensively during
3168-671: The AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake . The AH-1 was rapidly developed as an interim gunship in response to the United States Army 's needs in the Vietnam War . It used the same engine, transmission and rotor system as the Bell UH-1 Iroquois , which had already proven itself to be a capable platform during the conflict, but paired it with a redesigned narrow fuselage among other features. The original AH-1, being
3264-571: The AH-1F. The AH-1F integrated numerous countermeasures, including an infrared jammer, a radar jammer, and a hot plume exhaust suppressor. The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) quickly became interested in the Cobra, opting to order an improved twin-engine version in 1968 under the designation AH-1J. During the early 1970s, the USMC proceeded to order an upgraded model, the AH-1T, which featured dynamic elements derived from
3360-530: The AH-1G. The AH-1 was initially considered a variant of the H-1 line, resulting in the G series letter. The first six AH-1s arrived at Bien Hoa Air Base , South Vietnam on 30 August 1967 for combat testing by the U.S. Army Cobra New Equipment Training Team. On 4 September, the type scored its first combat kill by sinking a sampan boat, killing four Viet Cong . The first AH-1 unit, the 334th Assault Helicopter Company,
3456-1039: The AH-1J International. See also [ edit ] List of Bell UH-1 Iroquois operators List of utility helicopters Super Huey UH-IX 1980s video game References [ edit ] ^ Mutza, Wayne. UH-1 Huey In Action. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1986. ISBN 0-89747-179-2 . ^ Andrade, John M. U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Midland Counties Publications, 1979. ISBN 0-904597-22-9 . ^ Bishop, Chris. Huey Cobra Gunships . Osprey Publishing, 2006. ISBN 1-84176-984-3 . ^ Donald, David. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft . Barnes & Nobel Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5 . ^ "The Bell UH-1 Huey" . archive.org . 6 January 2012. Archived from
3552-571: The Army was interested and awarded Bell a proof-of-concept contract in December 1962. Bell modified a Model 47 into the Model 207 Sioux Scout which first flew in July 1963. The Sioux Scout had all the key features of a modern attack helicopter: a tandem cockpit , stub wings for weapons, and a chin-mounted gun turret . After evaluating the Sioux Scout in early 1964, the Army was impressed but also felt that it
3648-727: The Bell "Twin Pac" twin-engined Huey. HH-1N Rescue version of the UH-1N AH-1P 100 production aircraft with composite rotors, flat plate glass cockpit, and improved cockpit layout for nap-of-earth (NOE) flight. The AH-1P is also referred to as the "Production AH-1S", or "AH-1S(PROD)" prior to 1988. [REDACTED] UH-1P preserved in diorama at the National Museum of the Air Force UH-1P UH-1F variant for USAF for special operations use and attack operations used solely by
3744-465: The Bell 412EP Civil designations [ edit ] [REDACTED] A Bell 205A-1 on firefighting duty with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at Nym Lake, Ontario, Canada, 1996 [REDACTED] A Bell 205A-1 with its helitack firefighting crew on standby with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at Sioux Lookout, Ontario , 1995 [REDACTED] A Bell 204B (upgraded to
3840-446: The Cobra was intentionally made to be sleek and be akin to that of a jet fighter. Aviation author Stanley McGowen observed that its appearance differed radically from any prior rotorcraft designed by Bell, possessing a relatively narrow fuselage and a then-unusual cockpit arrangement. This cockpit was covered by a large fighter-like canopy and its occupants protected by armor, such included tempered-steel seats and personal body armor. It
3936-684: The Night Targeting System (NTS). Offered as King Cobra to Turkey for its ATAK program and selected for production in 2000, but later canceled. [REDACTED] Canadian Forces CH-135 Twin Huey in service with the Multinational Force and Observers . [REDACTED] A Bell Griffin HT1 of the Defence Helicopter Flying School UH-1/T700 Upgraded commercial version, named Ultra Huey , fitted with
Bell Huey family - Misplaced Pages Continue
4032-799: The Philippines for counter terrorism operations. The offer was later reduced to two units, which the Philippine government accepted. On 26 November 2019, an Antonov An-124 airlifter carried the two Bell AH-1F Cobras from Jordan to Clark International Airport/Clark Air Base. The helicopters are reportedly painted in a light grey livery similar to the paint scheme of the PAF's AgustaWestland AW109E armed helicopters. PAF AH-1s conducted airstrikes on communist insurgent positions as part of OPLAN "Wrath of Polaris 2" conducted by Joint Task Force Tala in Gonzaga, Cagayan. In 2003,
4128-778: The Turkish T129 , the Chinese CAIC Z-10 , and the Russian Mi-35 Hind . In November 2014, Russia approved the sale of Mi-35M helicopters to Pakistan. In April 2015, China delivered three Z-10s to Pakistan. During the same month, the US Department of State approved the sale of 15 AH-1Zs and associated equipment to Pakistan. During October 2017, the T129 was also reported to be a contender for further orders. The Jordanian government offered to provide up to four surplus AH-1F Cobras to
4224-474: The U.S. Army between 1967 and 1973, and the Cobras chalked up over a million operational hours in Vietnam; the number of Cobras in service peaked at 1,081. Out of nearly 1,110 AH-1s that were delivered between 1967 and 1973, approximately 300 were lost to a combination of combat and accidents during the conflict. During Operation Lam Son 719 in Southeastern Laos , 26 U.S Army AH-1Gs were destroyed while
4320-708: The UH-1 Iroquois, AH-56 Cheyenne, OH-58 Kiowa, and later helicopters. Within its first decade of service, the US Army had put the original Cobra model through various exercises and operations, which highlighted both the attack helicopter's promise and areas in which it could be improved. By 1972, the US Army openly sought an improved anti-armor capability. Under the Improved Cobra Armament Program (ICAP), trials of eight AH-1s fitted with TOW missiles were conducted in October 1973. After passing qualification tests
4416-702: The UH-1H built under license in Japan by Fuji was locally given the designation UH-1J. HH-1K Purpose-built SAR variant of the Model 204 for the US Navy with USN avionics and equipment. 27 built. TH-1L Helicopter flight trainer based on the HH-1K for the USN. UH-1L Utility variant of the TH-1L. UH-1M Gunship specific UH-1C upgrade with Lycoming T-53-L-13 engine of 1,400 shp. UH-1N Initial Bell 212 production model,
4512-505: The UH-1H. Agusta-Bell 205A-1 Modified version of the AB 205. Fuji-Bell 205A-1 15 seat utility transport helicopter. Built under licence in Japan by Fuji. Bell 205A+ Field upgraded 205A utilizing a T53-17 engine and a 212 rotor system. Similar to the production 205B and 210. Bell 205A-1A A 205A-1, but with armament hardpoints and military avionics. Produced specifically for Israeli contract. Fuji-Bell 205B A joint Bell-Fuji commercial variant based on UH-1J ,
4608-491: The US Army would be intruding into their domain by developing a complex armed aerial combatant, and ought to be largely restricted to transport aircraft. Meanwhile, some Army officials were concerned that the USAF did not take the close air support (CAS) mission as seriously as it ought to, and that response times of 30 minutes or more for fixed-wing aircraft would be unacceptable. Bell had been investigating helicopter gunships since
4704-627: The US Army. AH-1W SuperCobra variant, nicknamed "Whiskey Cobra", day/night version with more powerful engines and advanced weapons capability. EH-1X Electronic warfare UH-1Hs converted under "Quick Fix IIA". UH-1Y Venom Named Venom , upgraded variant developed from existing upgraded late model UH-1Ns, with additional emphasis on commonality with the AH-1Z as part of the H-1 upgrade program . AH-1Z Viper Named Viper , or also "Zulu Cobra", it includes an upgraded 4 blade main rotor and adds
4800-559: The USAF 20th Special Operations Squadron , "the Green Hornets". YAH-1Q Eight AH-1Gs with XM26 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU) and two M56 TOW 4-pack launchers. AH-1Q Upgraded AH-1G equipped with the M65 TOW /Cobra missile subsystem, M65 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU), and M73 Reflex sight. YAH-1R AH-1G powered by a T53-L-703 engine without TOW system. AH-1RO Proposed version for Romania as Dracula . [REDACTED] AH-1W on
4896-406: The USAF with rescue hoist. 30 built. JUH-1 Five UH-1Hs converted to SOTAS battlefield surveillance configuration with belly-mounted airborne radar. TH-1H Modified UH-1Hs for use as basic helicopter flight trainers by the USAF. AH-1J Original twin-engine SeaCobra version, subsequently upgraded and exported to Iran as AH-1J "International" UH-1J An improved Japanese version of
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#17328554263194992-839: The USAF, with General Electric T-58-GE-3 engine of 1,325 shp. TH-1F Instrument and Rescue Trainer based on the UH-1F for the USAF. UH-1G Designation given locally to UH-1D/H gunships operating with the Cambodia armed forces. AH-1G Initial 1966 production model of the Cobra gunship for the US Army, with one 1,400 shp Avco Lycoming T53-13 turboshaft. JAH-1G One Cobra helicopter modified for armament testing, including Hellfire missiles and multi-barrel cannon. TH-1G Two-seat dual-control Cobra trainer. [REDACTED] Base Rescue Moose Jaw CH-118 Iroquois helicopters 118109 and 118101 at CFB Moose Jaw , 1982 UH-1H Improved UH-1D with
5088-448: The Vietnam War alone, the Cobra fleet cumulatively chalked up in excess of one million operational hours; roughly 300 AH-1s were also lost in combat. In addition to the US Army, various other branches of the US military also opted to acquire the type, particularly the United States Marine Corps . Furthermore, numerous export sales were completed with several overseas countries, including Israel , Japan , and Turkey . For several decades,
5184-451: The Vietnam War proceeded, pressure accumulated in favor of the Model 209. Attacks on US forces were increasing and, by the end of June 1965, there were already 50,000 US ground troops in Vietnam. 1965 was also the deadline for AAFSS selection, but the program would become stuck in technical difficulties and political bickering. The US Army needed an interim gunship for Vietnam and it approached five separate companies with its request to provide
5280-523: The abortive Bell 309 KingCobra ; as such, it featured a longer fuselage and tailboom. These dynamic changes were combined with the adoption of heavier armaments, which provided the USMC with an effective anti-armor capacity, unlike the preceding model. The USMC's interest in the Cobra would lead to the production of more twin-engine variants of the helicopter. The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a dedicated attack helicopter, built to provide close air support and to escort friendly troop transports. The visual design of
5376-411: The bill. For those desiring excitement as well, it would pay dividends to look elsewhere." Antic described Super Huey as a " true simulation" like Flight Simulator II , with excellent graphics. AH-1F The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a single-engined attack helicopter developed and manufactured by the American rotorcraft manufacturer Bell Helicopter . A member of the prolific Huey family ,
5472-405: The concept's detailed design. Mating the proven transmission, the "540" rotor system of the UH-1C augmented by a Stability Control Augmentation System (SCAS), and the T53 turboshaft engine of the UH-1 with the design philosophy of the Sioux Scout, Bell produced the Model 209 . It largely resembled the "Iroquois Warrior" mockup, particularly in its cockpit and tail boom; in broad visual terms, there
5568-481: The conflict, it was decided to remove the rocket pods and increase the amount of ammunition carried for the cannon instead. Other operational changes included a greater emphasis on cooperation with ground units to avoid friendly fire incidents. Largely due to a US embargo that prevented the purchase of further Cobras, Israel procured alternative platforms instead, including around 20 McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defenders in late 1979. Between 1983 and 1985, by which time
5664-574: The course of the mission. Much of the Cobra's armaments could be installed upon the multiple hardpoints that were attached to the stub wings set on either side of the fuselage. In comparison to armed UH-1s, the Cobra would typically have carried twice as much ammunition and arrive on station in half the time, it also had three times the loiter time, which enabled the type to arrive in a designated landing zone ahead of transport helicopters to clear it, provide support fire while they are present, and to continue fighting as they withdraw. The slim profile of
5760-407: The design were incorporated after the Cobra had entered service. The principal amongst these changes was the repositioning of the tail rotor from the helicopter's left side to the right, which facilitated an increase in the effectiveness of the tail rotor. The AH-1 was the first U.S. Army helicopter not named for a Native American people since the practice began with the H-13 Sioux and continued with
5856-424: The development of the Bell AH-1 is the story of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois transport helicopter—an icon of the Vietnam War and one of the most numerous helicopter types built. The UH-1 made the theory of air cavalry practical, as the new tactics called for US forces to be highly mobile across a wide area. Unlike before, they would not stand and fight long battles , and they would not stay and hold positions. Instead,
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#17328554263195952-412: The early 1990s, and supplemented them with 32 ex-US Army Cobras. These additional units included several TAH-1P trainers while the majority were brought up to the AH-1F standard. During the 2010s, Turkish Cobras have repeatedly seen combat in operations against Kurdish insurgents around Turkey's borders with both Syria and Iraq. Two Cobras were reportedly lost to enemy fire during these operations. Amid
6048-544: The embargo had been lifted, 24 new Cobras were purchased; the expanded fleet enabled the creation of a second squadron, known as the Fighting Family Squadron, on 1 June 1985. During 1990, the IAF received its first Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, having acquired a fleet of 42 by 2000. At the time of the Apache's procurement, there was considerable political controversy over the IAF's decision to overlook upgrades to its existing Cobra fleet in favour of acquiring an entirely separate model of attack helicopter. Throughout
6144-467: The existing UH-1 on the rationale that, while the Army could not purchase a completely original helicopter without a formal design competition, the service was able to procure a modification of an aircraft that was already in its inventory without invoking such hurdles. This initiative quickly caught the approval of Bell's senior management team. In January 1965, Bell elected to invest $ 1 million (equivalent to $ 7.38 million in 2023) to proceed with
6240-422: The first day of the invasion, two of the four Cobras involved were lost to anti-aircraft fire in the attack on Fort Frederick. During 1989, Army Cobras participated in Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama . It operated alongside its eventual successor in US Army service, the Boeing AH-64 Apache , for the first time during the combat in Panama. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in
6336-399: The fleet was liquidated in 2010. Some were also given to the USDA's Forest Service . The US Marine Corps retired the AH-1W SuperCobra in 2020, and continues to operate the AH-1Z Viper . Israel was an early export customer for the Cobra, purchasing six AH-1Gs from the US Army. The government was keen to procure a capable attack helicopter as recent combat in the Yom-Kippur War had shown
6432-413: The following year, Bell was contracted with upgrading 101 AH-1Gs to the TOW-capable AH-1Q configuration. While early-production examples were not compatible with night vision goggles , the cockpit instrumentation of later Cobras was altered to facilitate their use. Further variants of the Cobra were promptly developed, with both new-build models and early production examples being modified to incorporate
6528-399: The gunship role. YUH-1D Seven pre-production prototypes of the UH-1D. UH-1D Initial Bell 205 production model (long fuselage version of the 204). Also built under license in Germany by Dornier . HH-1D Rescue/fire fighting variant of UH-1D. AH-1E 98 production Cobra gunships with the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS) featuring the M97A1 armament subsystem with
6624-421: The helicopter allegedly provided defensive benefits by making it harder for opponents to accurately hit it with small arms fire, although man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) did prove to be effective against the Cobra. Particularly vulnerable areas included the tail rotor drive shaft and the main transmission. Typically, the Cobra would avoid hovering at any point in an active engagement; instead, emphasis
6720-432: The improvements. During March 1978, the US Army opted to procure a batch of 100 new-build Cobras that featured a new T-shaped instrument panel, improved composite rotor blades, revised transmission and gearboxes, the M128 helmet-mounted sight, and the M28A3 armament system. A major feature was the adoption of a more powerful version of the T53 engine. Designated AH-1S, the Cobra was upgraded in three stages, culminating with
6816-461: The intense fighting of the conflict. US Cobras were deployed in further operations across the 1990s. Army Cobras provided support for the US humanitarian intervention during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993. They were also employed during the US invasion of Haiti in 1994. During the 1990s, the US Army gradually phased out its Cobra fleet, completely retiring the type from active service in March 1999. The service, which had long sought
6912-476: The late 1950s, paying particular attention to the Algerian War , in which French forces mounted weapons onto helicopters to fight the growing insurgency. The company created a mockup of its D-255 helicopter gunship concept, named "Iroquois Warrior". The Iroquois Warrior was planned to be a purpose-built attack aircraft based on UH-1B components with a new, slender airframe and a two-seat, tandem cockpit. It featured
7008-414: The late 1980s. In 2001, nine additional ex-US Army Cobras were acquired to supplement the fleet. During 2010, Jordan transferred 16 AH-1F helicopters to Pakistan under a US-sponsored support program that provided Islamabad with 40 AH-1 refurbished helicopters. In late 2014, Israel and Jordan came to an agreement under which the former transferred 16 ex-IAF Cobras to the Royal Jordanian Air Force . The deal
7104-425: The only way to pacify a landing zone was from the air, preferably with an aircraft that could closely escort the transport helicopters, and loiter over the landing zone as the battle progressed. By 1962, a small number of armed UH-1As were used as escorts, armed with multiple machine guns and rocket mounts. However, these makeshift gunships came with considerable tradeoffs, particularly being barely able to keep up with
7200-7836: The original on 9 April 2007 . Retrieved 2007-03-15 . ^ "[1.0] First Generation Cobras" . archive.org . 8 April 2012. Archived from the original on 8 April 2012 . Retrieved 11 August 2016 . {{ cite web }} : CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ( link ) ^ Douglas W. Nelms (2005-11-01). "Eagle Power" . Aviation Today. Archived from the original on 2007-11-14 . Retrieved 2007-03-17 . v t e Bell Aircraft and Bell Helicopter/Bell Textron aircraft Manufacturer designations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 (I) 39 (II) 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 J 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70–100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131–199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 214ST 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223–229 230 231–248 249 250–300 301 302–308 309 310–359 360 361–399 400 401–405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418–426 427 428 429 430 431–439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 550–504 505 506–524 525 526–532 533 534–539 540 541–547 548 549–575 576 577–582 583 846–598 599 600–608 609 610–645 646 647–679 680 681–910 911 912–917 918 D-188 D-255 D-292 Fighter aircraft YFM-1 P-39 XFL P-59 P-63 P-76 XP-77 XP-83 Target drones PQM-56 Attack helicopters 207 Bell AH-1 Singles Twins AH-1Z 309 YAH-63 360 Observation and utility helicopters H-13 H-13J UH-1 UH-1N UH-1Y TH-57 OH-58 TH-67 ARH-70 Commercial helicopters 47 47J 204 205 206 210 212 214 214ST 222 230 407 412 427 429 430 505 525 Tiltrotors V-22 V-247 V-280 AW609 TR918 QTR UAVs MQ-8C Non-production helicopters 400 417 440 Experimental aircraft ATV 201 533 D-188 D-255 D-292 FCX-001 L-39 LLRV/LLTV X-1 X-2 X-5 X-14 X-16 X-22 XF-109 XP-52 XV-3 XV-15 Names Airabonita Airacobra Airacomet Airacuda Arapaho BigLifter Cobra Creek Eagle Eye Fire Scout GlobalRanger Huey HueyCobra Invictus Iroquois JetRanger Jet Ranger X Kingcobra KingCobra Kiowa LongRanger Osprey Quad TiltRotor Ranger Sea Cobra Sea Ranger Sioux Sioux Scout SuperCobra Super Huey Super Transporter Twin Huey TwinRanger Valor Venom Vigilant Viper Zulu Cobra Unknown/not assigned v t e Bell Huey family Military H-40 H-48 H-63 HU-1 AH-1 J/T/W Z EH-1 HH-1 N TH-1 G UH-1 N Y VH-1 CH-118 CH-135 CH-146 249 309 533 Civilian 204 205 208 209 210 211 212 214 ST 412 450 Foreign production Agusta (Italy) AB.204 AB.205 AB.212 AB.412 Dornier (Germany) UH-1D Fuji/Subaru (Japan) UH-1J UH-2 204 205 412 IAIO (Iran) Toufan PANHA (Iran) Shabaviz 2-75 2091 Topics Accidents and incidents 1982 Twilight Zone accident 2018 Sapphire Aviation crash Displayed aircraft AH-1 In fiction AH-1 Operators Upgrade program Variants See also Bell 47 family Bell JetRanger family v t e United States helicopter designations, Army/Air Force and Tri-Service systems Numerical sequence used by USAAC/USAAF/USAF 1941–present; U.S. Army 1948–1956 and 1962–present; U.S. Navy 1962–present Army/Air Force sequence (1941–1962) Prefix R-, 1941–1948 R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-6 R-7 R-8 R-9 R-10 R-11 R-12 R-13 R-14 R-15 R-16 Prefix H-, 1948–1962 H-5 H-6 H-9 H-10 H-11 H-12 H-13 H-13J H-15 H-16 H-17 H-18 H-19 H-20 H-21 H-22 H-23 H-24 H-25 H-26 H-27 H-28 H-29 H-30 H-31 H-32 H-33 H-34 H-35 H-36 H-37 H-38 H-39 H-40 H-41 H-42 H-43 H-44 H-45 Tri-Service sequence (1962–present) 1962 redesignations H-13 H-13F H-13J H-19 H-21 H-23 H-25 H-34 H-37 H-43 New designations H-46 H-47 H-48 H-49 H-50 H-51 H-52 H-53 CH-53 / E / K HH-53/MH-53 H-54 H-55 H-56 H-57 H-58 H-59 H-60 UH-60 SH-60 HH-60 MH-60 H-61 H-62 H-63 H-64 H-65 H-66 H-67 H-68 H-69 H-70 H-71 H-72 H-73 Alternate sequence H-1 AH-1 / J/T/W / Z UH-1 / N / Y H-2 G H-3 CH-3/HH-3 SH-3 H-4 H-5 H-6 AH-6 MH-6 OH-6 Non-sequential H-90 H-92 CH-92/VH-92 H-139 Not assigned Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bell_Huey_family&oldid=1243654871 " Categories : Bell aircraft United States military helicopters 1950s United States helicopters 1960s United States helicopters 1970s United States helicopters 1950s United States military utility aircraft 1960s United States military utility aircraft 1970s United States military utility aircraft Hidden categories: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown Webarchive template wayback links Articles with Japanese-language sources (ja) Articles with short description Short description
7296-640: The original on 6 January 2012 . Retrieved 11 August 2016 . {{ cite web }} : CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ( link ) ^ "Bell CH-118 Iroquois." Archived 2006-05-10 at the Wayback Machine Canadian DND webpage. Retrieved: 30 August 2007. ^ UH-1J 多用途ヘリコプター. (in Japanese) . Retrieved: 11 December 2007. ^ "Bell HH-1N" . Pima Air & Space . Retrieved 2024-04-26 . ^ "Back to square one in attack helicopter plan" Archived 2006-12-06 at
7392-639: The plan was that the troops carried by fleets of UH-1 "Hueys" would range across the country, to fight the enemy at times and places of their own choice. The massive expansion of American military presence in Vietnam opened a new era of war from the air. The linchpin of US Army tactics was the helicopters, and the protection of those helicopters became a vital role. It became clear that unarmed troop helicopters were vulnerable against ground fire from Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops, particularly as they approached landing zones to disembark or embark troops. Without friendly support from artillery or ground forces,
7488-464: The project's go-ahead and slightly under budget. This first flight was witnessed by around 20 US Army officials, the service having had no awareness of the project's existence prior to this, and rapidly drew the government's attention. One early test flight was met with a reportedly enthusiastic visit by US secretary of defense Robert McNamara . Bell claimed at this phase of the project that production units could be ready for service within one year. As
7584-556: The requirement. It was out of the AAFSS program that the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne emerged, a heavy attack helicopter with high speed capability. During testing, it proved to be too sophisticated and costly, and was ultimately canceled in 1972 after ten years of development. In its place, the Advanced Attack Helicopter program was launched. Under this initiative, the Army sought a conventional attack helicopter with
7680-434: The support of various senior officials, quantity production of the type proceeded rapidly with little revision. During June 1967, the first examples of the AH-1 entered service with the US Army and were promptly deployed to the Vietnam theater. It commonly provided fire support to friendly ground forces, escorted transport helicopters, and flew in "hunter killer" teams by pairing with Hughes OH-6A Cayuse scout helicopters. In
7776-552: The troop transports they were intended to protect. While some officials within the Pentagon, particularly those within the US Army, had recognized the potential value of purpose-built armed rotary aircraft as early as 1962 and were keen to see such a vehicle developed promptly, the issue was complicated in part due to inter-service politics. The United States Air Force (USAF) largely held the opinion that most forms of US military aircraft should be operated only by their service, and that
7872-477: The type. Global Eagle Pratt & Whitney Canada name for a modified UH-1H with a new PT6C-67D engine, modified tail rotor, and other minor changes to increase range and fuel efficiency over the Bell 212. Huey 800 Upgraded commercial version, fitted with an LHTEC T800 turboshaft engine. Panha Shabaviz 2-75 Unlicensed version made by PANHA in Iran . Panha 2091 Unlicensed Iranian upgrade of
7968-911: The utility UH-1 Iroquois and the derivative AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter series and ranges from the XH-40 prototype, first flown in October 1956, to the 21st-century UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper . Although not flown in military service in the USA, the Bell 412 served in Canada and Japan and, like the UH-1Y, is a twin engine four rotor design based on the Bell 212. Model Engines Rotors F.F. Year UH-1/CH-118/204/5 1 2 1956 UH-1N/CH-135/212 2 2 1968 412/CH-146/UH-2 2 4 1979 UH-1Y 2 4 2001 Military designations (UH-1 and AH-1) [ edit ] [REDACTED] AH-1E [REDACTED] AH-1Fs of
8064-469: The year, rapid follow-on orders had increased this to 500 Cobras. Bell added "Cobra" to the UH-1's Huey nickname to produce its HueyCobra name for the 209. The Army applied the Cobra name to its AH-1G designation for the helicopter. The Bell 209 demonstrator was used for the next six years to test weapons and fit of equipment. An additional use for the demonstrator was participating in marketing initiatives. It
8160-560: Was a commercial version of the UH-1C with an upgraded transmission, longer main rotor, larger tailboom, strengthened fuselage, stability augmentation system, and a 2,650 shp (1,976 kW) Lycoming T-55-L-7 turboshaft engine. Bell 212 15 seat twin-engined derivative of the Bell 205 Bell 214 Huey Plus Strengthened development of the Bell 205 airframe with a larger engine Bell 214ST 18 seat twin engined utility helicopter Bell 249 Experimental AH-1 demonstrator version fitted with
8256-466: Was also modified to match the AH-1 production standard by the early 1970s. The demonstrator was retired to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox , Kentucky and converted to approximately its original appearance. The Bell 209 design was modified in several respects for production. The retractable skids were replaced by simpler fixed skids; this was not due to any recorded design flaw or serviceability, but it
8352-467: Was considerably older than the Apaches, which contributed to several fatal crashes of the type. The Cobras were also more expensive to maintain than UAVs and their use exposed pilots to attacks from man-portable air-defense systems operated by guerrilla groups. Around the same time frame, the IAF also pursued upgrades to its AH-64 fleet. In late 2014, Israel transferred 16 of the recently-withdrawn Cobras to
8448-434: Was declared operational on 6 October 1967. The Army operated the Cobra continuously up to the U.S. withdrawal from South Vietnam in 1973. Typically, the AH-1 provided fire support for ground forces and escorted transport helicopters, in addition to other roles, including aerial rocket artillery (ARA) battalions in the two Airmobile divisions. They also formed "hunter killer" teams by pairing with OH-6A Cayuse scout helicopters;
8544-415: Was feared that the landing gear bay could become inundated with mud. Furthermore, a new wide-chord rotor blade was adopted. It was also decided that a plexiglass canopy should replace the Model 209's armored glass canopy, which was heavy enough to negatively impact performance. The umbrella-shaped dive brake was deleted, having reportedly self-destructed during its first test flight. Numerous changes of
8640-531: Was occupied by militants. Israel's fleet of Cobras was particularly active on the Lebanon front, having participated in the fighting there for in excess of 20 years. They were intensively used during the 1982 Lebanon War to destroy Syrian armor and fortifications alike, being reportedly responsible for the destruction of dozens of Syrian ground vehicles. In one operation alone, a pair of IAF Cobras destroyed three enemy tanks and one truck. Based upon its performance in
8736-439: Was operated by both a pilot and gunner, who were seated in a stepped tandem arrangement in which the commander was placed in the rear seat while the gunner occupied the forward position. This forward position provided a higher level of visibility to that of the rear seat. Both positions were provided with flying controls while both crew would typically be certified pilots, enabling control of the Cobra to be exchanged quickly through
8832-495: Was placed on maintaining speed and mobility. The gunner often fired the chin-mounted cannon with the intention of suppressing hostile targets in between barrages of 2.75-inch rockets, held in pods upon the stub wings, which were fired by the back-seater. It was unusual for Cobras to operate alone; instead, two or more would be dispatched and teamwork encouraged, leading to hunter-killer tactics being used to flush out and eliminate ground targets. Pairings with other helicopters, such as
8928-492: Was ported to the Amiga , Apple II , Atari ST , Atari 8-bit computers , and MS-DOS . Atari Corporation published an Atari 7800 version in 1989. Super Huey UH-IX is a game in which a flight simulator involves combat, as well as rescue and exploration missions. M. Evan Brooks reviewed the game for Computer Gaming World , and stated that "For those desiring an 8-bit helicopter flight simulator, Super Huey and its sequels fill
9024-461: Was publicly stated to be for the purpose of increasing border security, which was viewed as a pressing concern of both nations due to the threats posed by Islamic State (IS) militants, as well as by other insurgent groups, at that time. The Royal Jordanian Air Force has at least one squadron of Cobras in service, and is supposed to have used them in combat in Iraq and Syria. Turkey bought ten AH-1Ws in
9120-415: Was relatively little shared between the proposed design and the UH-1. Despite appearance, much of the Model 209's major elements, such as the tail rotor and much of the dynamic systems, were identical. Roughly 80 percent of its components already had existing Huey part numbers. On 3 September 1965, Bell rolled out its Model 209 prototype, and four days later it made its maiden flight, only eight months after
9216-485: Was undersized, underpowered, and that the Sioux Scout was generally not suited for practical operations. The Army's solution to the shortcomings of the Sioux Scout was to launch the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System (AAFSS) competition. This called for a heavily armed helicopter capable of at least 200 miles per hour (320 km/h). A total of seven companies, including Bell, opted to respond to
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